Government of Canada Supporting Project for At-Risk Young Women in Toronto

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Member of Parliament Ted Opitz, (Etobicoke Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada support for a project that will increase economic opportunities for young women in Toronto.

"The number one priority of our Government is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Leitch. "I am proud that through this project, we are helping to equip young women with the skills they need to be successful leaders and build prosperous futures."

"I am pleased that we are working with For Youth Initiative, an important local organization, to support at-risk young women here in our community," said Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre. "Through this project, our Government is helping more young women to succeed in Toronto."

The For Youth Initiative is receiving $234,526 in Government of Canada funding for its project entitled Creating Equitable Spaces for Young People, Youth-Driven Gender-Based Analysis of Youth-Led Sector. This 36-month project will provide at-risk young women between the ages of 14 and 25 with the leadership skills they need to improve their future economic security. The For Youth Initiative will engage participants in various activities to help them develop as leaders, and to build their awareness of issues specific to girls and young women.

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada for this project, which will strengthen our capacity to help more young women build their leadership skills and opportunities for the future," said Mr. Lekan Olawoye, Executive Director of the For Youth Initiative. "This support will enable us to reach a larger population of young women in Toronto, who will benefit as a result."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, federal support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada. Since 2007, more than $46 million has been approved through the Women's Program for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

For all other inquiries, contact:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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